If a circuit has 12 V across a 4 Ω resistor, what is the power dissipated?

Get ready for the NCCER Introduction to Electrical Circuits exam. Study with multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

If a circuit has 12 V across a 4 Ω resistor, what is the power dissipated?

Explanation:
Power dissipated in a resistor is determined by P = V^2 / R. With 12 V across a 4 Ω resistor, P = 12^2 / 4 = 144 / 4 = 36 W. You can confirm by finding the current first: I = V / R = 12 / 4 = 3 A, then P = VI = 12 × 3 = 36 W, or P = I^2 R = 3^2 × 4 = 36 W. So the resistor dissipates 36 watts.

Power dissipated in a resistor is determined by P = V^2 / R. With 12 V across a 4 Ω resistor, P = 12^2 / 4 = 144 / 4 = 36 W. You can confirm by finding the current first: I = V / R = 12 / 4 = 3 A, then P = VI = 12 × 3 = 36 W, or P = I^2 R = 3^2 × 4 = 36 W. So the resistor dissipates 36 watts.

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